Welcome to Karen Loase's recipe website. This is a compilation of my favorite recipes collected over the years and includes recipes from my generous friends and family. Use the search engine (top left corner) to help you find a particular dish or recipe contributor. Click on "Older Posts" on the very bottom right to see older recipes. My thanks and appreciation to all who have shared fabulous recipes with me. I hope you will find one or two new ones to try. Bon Appétit!

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Michelle's Cauliflower Soup Topped with Croutons and Bacon Bits

Another family favorite recipe. This is an amazing, creamy, velvety soup can be served hot or cold. What makes it unique is that it is topped with bacon bits and croutons, so is bursting with flavors and textures. My daughter, Michelle originally got this recipe from the Giada DeLaurentiis Food Network Show. Pictured here are Michelle, Sean and the newest family member, Madeline Ava Coffey.

Croutons:

1/2 loaf sourdough bread, cut in 1/2" cubes

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

1 T fresh thyme

1/2 tsp kosher salt

1/4 tsp pepper

Mix all the above ingredients together. Bake on a cookie sheet for 10-12 min. at 400 degrees.

Bacon:

1 lb bacon, cooked and chopped﻿

Soup:

3 T unsalted butter, room temperature

3/4 cup celery stalks (2 stalks)

1-2 shallots, thinly sliced

Kosher salt and pepper, to taste

2 cloves garlic, minced

4 cups chicken broth

1 T fresh thyme leaves

1 head cauliflower, cut in 1" pieces

Saute celery, shallots, salt and pepper in the butter for 4 minutes over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and continue cooking for 1-2 min. Add the broth, thyme and cauliflower and boil for 20-25 minutes. Puree in batches using an immersion blender, blender or food processor. Season with salt and pepper. To serve, spoon into individual bowls and top with bacon bits and croutons. It is delicious at room temperature.

About Me

I am a food enthusiast who resides in Alameda, CA with my boyfriend, Denny. In my former life, I was a Human Resources Staffing Manager for a high tech government contractor in San Diego. I have no formal culinary training, but just love to cook and try out new recipes. Everyone enjoys a good meal, so I stay connected to family and friends by sharing recipes of memorable meals and good times together.